2008: The Election of Willard "Mitt" Romney

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February 5th, 2008: 24 states and America Samoa hold their primary or caucus.

Republican Results:

Alabama:
Newt Gingrich: 41%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 25%

Alaska:
Mitt Romney: 51%
Newt Gingrich: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 19%

Arizona:
Mitt Romney: 42%
Rudy Giuliani: 36%
Newt Gingrich: 22%

Arkansas:
Newt Gingrich: 48%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 18%

California:
Mitt Romney: 37%
Rudy Giuliani: 35%
Newt Gingrich: 28%

Colorado:
Mitt Romney: 58%
Newt Gingrich: 22%
Rudy Giuliani: 20%

Connecticut:
Rudy Giuliani: 47%
Mitt Romney: 38%
Newt Gingrich: 15%

Delaware:
Mitt Romney: 38%
Rudy Giuliani: 37%
Newt Gingrich: 25%

Georgia:
Newt Gingrich: 52%
Mitt Romney: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 18%

Illinois:
Rudy Giuliani: 43%
Mitt Romney: 29%
Newt Gingrich: 28%

Massachusetts:
Mitt Romney: 50%
Rudy Giuliani: 39%
Newt Gingrich: 11%

Minnesota:
Mitt Romney: 39%
Rudy Giuliani: 35%
Newt Gingrich: 26%

Missouri:
Newt Gingrich: 35%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 31%

Montana:
Mitt Romney: 46%
Newt Gingrich: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 24%

New Jersey:
Rudy Giuliani: 54%
Mitt Romney: 27%
Newt Gingrich: 19%

New York:
Rudy Giuliani: 62%
Mitt Romney: 25%
Newt Gingrich: 13%

North Dakota:
Mitt Romney: 45%
Newt Gingrich: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 25%

Oklahoma:
Newt Gingrich: 36%
Rudy Giuliani: 34%
Mitt Romney: 30%

Tennessee:
Newt Gingrich: 38%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 28%

Utah:
Mitt Romney: 91%
Newt Gingrich: 6%
Rudy Giuliani: 3%

West Virginia:
Mitt Romney: 36%
Newt Gingrich: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 30%

Republican Analysis:
On Super Tuesday, Mitt Romney over-performed, and finished comfortably in first among delegate and popular vote. While Rudy Giuliani won both Illinois and New York, he really needed to win two or three of California, Minnesota, Deleware, and Arizona to be considered still in it. Newt Gingrich did well at defending the South, but did very poorly outside of it. His strong win of the day was Missouri.

Mitt Romney at a rally in California...

Today, voters across this nation made some tough and important decisions. Voters chose to reject big government. Voters chose to reject a corrupt voters. Tonight, my friends, voters have chosen a small conservative government! I thank the voters from all states for their support. After months of tirelessly campaigning, it has all paid off tonight. We still have a ways to go, but thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all!

[feeblepizza]

Great TL I will be sad to see how Romney manages to lie his way to the White House. Keep it coming!!!

[redcommander]

I wonder who his vp choice will be.

[tmthforu94]

Democratic Results (Map Only)

Democratic Analysis...
Hillary Clinton won every state she was expecting to win, which is good for her. While she made more of an effort in caucuses, she still fell up short in most of them. Tonight was considered a victory for Barack Obama, mainly because he kept Clinton from clinching the nomination tonight, which many suspected would happen.

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February 6th, 2008:Following a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, former Speaker Newt Gingrich suspends his Presidential campaign.

We fought a good fight, but were kept within Southern borders. Unfortunately, Americans are looking to Governor Romney, and not myself. I have confident that Mitt will lead a strong ticket in the general election, and he has my endorsement and my support.

After only manage to win a couple Southern primaries, Gingrich drops his bid.

Later that day, both the Obama and Giuliani camp's express optimism about the Potomac Primaries, and vow to stay in the race.

February 9th, 2008: Mitt Romney wins the Louisiana primary with just over 54% of the vote. Mitt also wins the Kansas and Washington caucuses by more than ten points. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton's strategy to challenge Obama in caucuses has paid off, as she narrowly wins the Washington and Nebraska caucuses. However, Barack Obama wins the Louisiana primary.

February 10th, 2008: Hillary Clinton win's the Maine caucus.

February 11th, 2008: Rudy Giuliani drops out of the Presidential race, endorsing Governor Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney is the 2008 Republican nominee

Next Post: The Final Democratic results.

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The rest of the Democratic primaries went very similarly to how they did in real life, but not quite. Barack Obama never gained the support of John Edwards, since Edwards didn't run, which didn't give the Senator the boost he had in RL. Hillary Clinton stuns Obama in Wisconsin, then goes on to comfortably win the three remaining big states, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. After the South Dakota and Montana primaries, Barack Obama withdraws from the race and endorses Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee

Next Post: July 2008

[ej2mm15]

Great job so far!

[tmthforu94]

July 4th, 2008: Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton both celebrate Independence Day with large rallies. Mitt Romney hold's his in Cincinnati, Ohio at Kings Island, while Hillary Clinton is down at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

General Election Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 45%
Mitt Romney: 43%

Hypothetical Tickets:
Hillary Clinton/Evan Bayh: 46%
Mitt Romney/Tim Pawlenty: 45%

Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama: 47%
Mitt Romney/Tim Pawlenty: 42%

Hillary Clinton/Evan Bayh: 45%
Mitt Romney/Newt Gingrich: 44%

Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama: 46%
Mitt Romney/Newt Gingrich: 43%

July 13th, 2008: Hillary Clinton leaves for a 1 week foreign tour with stops in Europe and the Middle East. The trip is seen with mixed reviews, with liberals praising the decision and conservatives criticizing it.

Map:

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August 2nd, 2008: The Peace and Freedom Party nominates Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez for president and vice president.

August 16th, 2008: Both Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton make an appearance at Saddleback Church where they are interviewed by Pastor Rick Warren. This is seen as a huge test for Mitt Romney, who has been struggling to win over evangelical voters. During the interview, Mitt Romney emphasized his conservative and Christian beliefs, as well as highlighted his stance on gay marriage and abortion. On the counter, Hillary Clinton stood firmly by her views, stating she believed in a woman's right to choose and that gay marriage should be legal.

As President, I can make a firm promise to you all that I will govern as a pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-family President.
- Mitt Romney

August 22nd, 2008: Hillary Clinton holds a rally in Columbus, Ohio, where she is expected to make her Vice Presidential nominee.

When I looked for a Vice President, I looked for someone with character, experience, and the leadership skills I'll need in a Vice President. Luckily, I found someone who fit all of the qualifications, and so much more! Ladies and Gentleman, please make a warm welcome for the next Vice President of the United States, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell!
- Hillary Clinton

The pick was met with immediate praise and criticism. Ed Rendell would likely seal Pennsylvania in Clinton's corner, and would also help her in the state's surrounding it. On the other hand, Rendell has a history of having a silver foot in his mouth.

General Election Poll:
Hillary Clinton/Ed Rendell: 46%
Mitt Romney/Tim Pawlenty: 43%

Hillary Clinton/Ed Rendell: 47%
Mitt Romney/Newt Gingrich: 42%

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Lol Rendell

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

It's back!

[tmthforu94]

It's back!

I'm determined to finish it.

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August 25th-28th: The Democratic National Convention is held in Denver, Colorado. Keynote addresses were given by Bill Clinton, Evan Bayh, Ed Rendell, and on the final night, Hillary Clinton. More than 40 million Americans watched Hillary Clinton become the first female to be officially nominated as a candidate for President by a major party, and also witnessed an emotional Bill Clinton who's "eye's were glassy".

August 30th: With the Republican National Convention just around the corner, Mitt Romney makes his Vice Presidential selection, Jim Demint. Several media outlets are reporting the Romney was originally planning on selecting former Colorado Governor Bill Owens for VP, but he backed out just days before the announcement was planned.

Polling:

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Hillary Clinton?
Favorable - 47%
Unfavorable - 41%
Neutral - 12%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Ed Rendell?
Favorable - 35%
Unfavorable - 27%
Neutral - 28%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Mitt Romney?
Favorable - 45%
Unfavorable - 43%
Neutral - 12%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Jim Demint?
Favorable - 29%
Unfavorable - 19%
Neutral - 72%

Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Clinton/Rendell - 49%
Romney/Demint - 43%

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September 1st-4th: The Republican National Convention is held in Saint Paul, Minnesota. On September 1st, due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Gustav, much of the convention events were cancelled. First Lady Laura Bush and Ann Romney stood onstage together asking for support for hurricane relief efforts.

The keynote speakers for the convention were Sarah Palin, Jim Demint, and Mitt Romney. Sarah Palin, unknown to many, stunned everyone with her strong speech delivered prime-time on September 2nd. Many in the party began to look to her as a rising star in the party and a future Presidential candidate.

Sarah Palin is seen as a rising star in the GOP

42 million Americans tuned in to hear Mitt Romney's acceptance speech, just over the amount who watched Clinton accept the Democratic nomination a week before. Romney steered from attacking Clinton, and focused much of his speech on the economy, and the need for a President with private sector experience.

Post-Convention Polling:
Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Romney/Demint - 47%
Clinton/Rendell - 46%

Pennsylvania:
Clinton/Rendell - 49%
Romney/Demint - 41%

Virginia:
Romney/Demint - 50%
Clinton/Rendell - 43%

Arkansas:
Clinton/Rendell - 44%
Romney/Demint - 41%

Massachusetts:
Clinton/Rendell - 55%
Romney/Demint - 39%

Map:

Analysis: Romney has pulled ahead in national polls, primarily due to what is considered by many to be a "Republican Win" at the conventions, as well as conservatives beginning to rally around Romney since his announcement of Demint as VP. Clinton still has a narrow lead in the Electoral College, but Romney has an edge in a majority of toss-up states, including Ohio, Colorado, and Michigan.

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September 7th: At a rally in Torrington, Connecticut with Mitt Romney, Joseph Lieberman formally endorses the former Massachusetts Governor.

September 14th: Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy. The 4th largest investment bank in the US will file for bankruptcy protection.

September 15th: The Dow drops over 300 points. Many begin to fear America could be sliding into another recession. When asked to comment on it, Vice Presidential candidate Ed Rendell had the following statement:

Look, in trying times in our nation's past, we've been able to easily overcome all obstacles and continue to succeed. I'm confident today is just a minor bump in the road. We'll be just fine.
- Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell

September 25th: Jim Demint announces he will be suspending all campaign activities for several days to head to Washington to work on the financial crisis.

Jim Demint will be leaving the campaign trail to work in the Senate

September 26th: The first Presidential debate is held on the campus of Ole Miss. Clinton tried to tie Romney to the Bush administration, while Romney stated several times in the debate the need for a President who has experience in the private sector, someone who knows how to turn the economy around and keep America from going into a recession. Neither candidate made any gaffes. Voters were split when asked who won the debate.

Polling:
Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Ed Rendell?
Favorable - 39%
Unfavorable - 40%
Neutral - 21%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Jim Demint?
Favorable - 43%
Unfavorable - 34%
Neutral - 23%

Which Presidential Candidate do you trust more in regards to the economy?
Mitt Romney - 39%
Hillary Clinton - 36%
Unsure - 25%

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October 2nd: The Vice Presidential debate is held in Saint Louis, Missouri. Jim Demint highlights his experience in the Senate, and also boasts his recent trip to Washington D.C. to work on the financial crisis. He also goes on the attack of Ed Rendell for saying the economic downturn was just a minor bump.

Governor Rendell, this economic downturn will be a bit more than a "bump in the road" to the many Americans who will be jobless.
- Jim Demint

Ed Rendell spends much of the night defending his record as Governor and his recent statements, and is also able to throw in a few jabs at Demint, calling him an "extremist". Polling showed that 53% of Americans believed Jim Demint won the debate, compared to 38% for Ed Rendell.

October 7th: The 2nd debate is held in Belmont, Tennessee. Clinton finally begins to attack Governor Romney on his position changes, calling him a hypocrite for calling Kerry a flipflopper in the 2004 Presidential election when he did the same thing. 54% called Clinton the winner of the debate, compared to 40% for Governor Romney.

Mitt Romney can be whatever you want him to be. We need a leader who will stand firm on their positions.
- Hillary Clinton

October 9th: Mitt Romney unveils his plan to stop America from plunging into a recession, which is a mixture of tax cuts, reduction in government spending, as well as a federal bailout plan. The plan receives mixed reactions, with most economic experts saying all the plan would do is slow down the inevitable.

October 13th: Since he chose not to take public financing, Mitt Romney has a considerable financial advantage of Hillary Clinton, and has begun airing ads attacking Clinton for supporting tax hikes, as well as highlighting what he did in Salt Lake City.

I've had the experience of turning something around - look at the job I did at the Salt Lake City Olympics. I'm the only candidate in this race with the public and private sector experience needed to bring America out of this economic slump.
- Mitt Romney

Polling:
Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Clinton/Rendell - 49%
Romney/Demint - 46%

Clinton: 269
Romney: 209

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Current Senate Projections:

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Comments/Suggestions Welcome!

[tmthforu94]

October 15th: Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton appear at their final debate at Hofstra University in New York. Mitt Romney goes hard on the attack of Senator Clinton, highlighting many of the scandals that occurred during the Clinton administration, including Whitewater. Mitt Romney also attacks Clinton for not coming out with an economic plan, suggesting she may not be capable of being able to lead America out of the recession. Post-debate polls show that 55% of voters believe Mitt Romney won the debate.

October 17th: The Drudge Report posts a story suggesting that Governor Ed Rendell had possibly taken bribes during office from unions. The Clinton Campaign refused to comment on the issue.

October 19th: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announces his support for Mitt Romney. This is seen as an added boost to the Romney campaign, as Powell had been holding out on an endorsement for months. The Clinton camp tried it's best to downplay it, saying they expected him to endorse Romney anyway.

October 25th: Mitt Romney appears on Saturday Night Live.

October 27th: It is being reported the Clinton Campaign is very low on funds. Insiders report the campaign had been spending lavishly throughout September and early October, but the campaign has began cutting back. Simultaneously, Mitt Romney has purchased a large ad buy on cable networks, and will air a 5 minute segment on many major networks just days before the election. The Romney campaign has reportedly spend over $500 million dollars in the General Election.

Polling:
Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Clinton/Rendell - 49%
Romney/Demint - 47%

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October 29th: At a rally in Ceder Rapids, Iowa, Vice Presidential candidate Ed Rendell goes on the attack of Mitt Romney, perhaps taking it too far...

I like Mitt Romney; I'm sure he's a great guy. We need a President though that lines up with America's moral image though, not some Mormon. We just don't need that right now.
- Ed Rendell

Many political networks immediately begin airing the clip over and over again. The Clinton camp has so far made no response. Later in the day, Governor Romney commented on the statement, expressing his frustration with Rendell's views, and asking for an apology.

October 30th: Governor Ed Rendell apologizes for his statement and retracts it.

It was a bad wording choice, I apologize to Governor Romney. I meant no harm.

November 2nd: Despite Rendell's apology, many consider this gaffe the "October Surprise" of the 2008 elections, and has brought Romney and Clinton neck and neck.

November 3rd: 538.com makes it's final Presidential prediction (shown below). Rasmussen Reports has Governor Romney with his first lead since the financial crisis, 49-47%. Gallup has Romney up 47-46%, and SurveyUSA has the candidates tied at 48%.

Pre-Election Day Polling/Map:
Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Romney/Demint - 48%
Clinton/Rendell - 47%

Romney - 245 Electoral Votes
Clinton - 215 Electoral Votes

State Polls:

Ohio:
Romney - 49%
Clinton - 45%

Michigan:
Romney - 48%
Clinton - 46%

Arkansas:
Clinton - 48%
Romney - 47%

New Jersey:
Clinton - 50%
Romney - 44%

Maine:
Clinton - 48%
Romney - 41%
 


Up next: Election Night Coverage!!!

[Miles]

Good read.

WV looks pretty close!

I'm hoping Landrieu pulls through too.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

I wonder who's gonna win.

[tmthforu94]

Election Night 2008

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Go Mitt! Also, after his election, can we see who he has in his cabinet? Seeing people like Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, etc. in it would be interesting. Heck, you could have a guest appearance by Joe Lieberman or John McCain. Just thoughts.

[Miles]

'Wonder what Democrats he'd have in his cabinet...